Track fan remote control system

ABSTRACT

A system using a remote control to provide independent control of power to one or more track fans and track lights, as well as control of speed of rotation of each fan, and brightness of each light across one or more tracks of various types. The remote control also allows groups of track fans and/or track lights to be controlled together, and allows the controlled track fans and track lights to be attached to different tracks.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional application No.61/119,510, filed Dec. 3, 2008, entitled “Track Fan Remote ControlSystem,” and U.S. Provisional application No. 61/140,421, filed Dec. 23,2008, entitled “Track Fan Remote Control System,” which are both herebyincorporated by reference for all purposes.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to environmental fans for air circulation, andmore particularly to a remote control apparatus and system fortrack-mounted fans.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Restaurants, retail stores, offices, factories, and residences are a fewof many types of buildings that require energy efficient and low costalternatives for managing air temperature and air circulation. Onedevice that is known for such applications is a track-mounted fan thatcan be used in conjunction with track lighting and other track-mountedfixtures. However, known track-mounted fans suffer from a number ofproblems. For example, such fans are unstable and are subject tovibration, which can also create problems with other track mountedfixtures. In addition, such track-mounted fans are difficult to controland are often beyond the unaided reach of employees, tenants or others.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A track fan and associated controller device and system are providedthat provide greater flexibility, energy efficiency and personal comfortin both air circulation and illumination, for commercial and residentialenvironments. In one exemplary embodiment of the inventions, track fans,track lights and other track-mounted fixtures are attached to one ormore tracks of various types, and are individually controlled by remotecontrol. Remote control functions include power control and adjustmentto the direction and speed of rotation of fans and the direction andbrightness of lights. In this manner, individual control of individualfixtures or groups of fixtures can be provided, regardless of whetherthey are on the same or different tracks or track types.

One exemplary technical feature of the present inventions is a universalcontrol system that can accommodate business, commercial and residentialneeds, such as operational integration with many types of pre-installedtrack or light fixtures, selectable balance of track fans and tracklights, selectable placement of track fans and track lights, use of oneor multiple circuits, and use of and across units with various voltages.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of various system components of the presentinventions in use in an exemplary room environment;

FIG. 2 is an exemplary side view of a fan with a cross section view ofthe support arms;

FIG. 3 is an exemplary front view of a fan;

FIG. 4 is an exemplary top view of a fan support;

FIG. 5 is an exemplary bottom view of a fan support;

FIG. 6 is an exemplary side view of a track light with a cross sectionview of the support arms;

FIG. 7 is an exemplary front view of a track light;

FIG. 8 is an exemplary top view of a track light support;

FIG. 9 is an exemplary bottom view of a track light support;

FIG. 10 is an exemplary top view of a remote control;

FIG. 11 is an exemplary side view of a remote control;

FIG. 12 is an exemplary top view of a remote control in a wallholder/charger;

FIG. 13 is an exemplary side view of a remote control in a wallholder/charger;

FIG. 14 is an exemplary diagram of a remote control in accordance withan exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 15 is a diagram of a track system receiver in accordance with anexemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 16 is a diagram of an exemplary universal receiver, which can beused with existing equipment or as a module in conjunction with trackfixtures that are optimized for use with the universal receiver;

FIG. 17 shows exemplary configurations of track fixtures with receiversfor use with the present inventions; and

FIGS. 18A-18C are exemplary control algorithms in accordance with thepresent inventions.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

In the description that follows, like parts are marked throughout thespecification and drawings with the same reference numerals,respectively. The drawing figures might not be to scale and certaincomponents can be shown in generalized or schematic form and identifiedby commercial designations in the interest of clarity and conciseness.

In one exemplary embodiment of the present inventions, greaterflexibility is provided for moderating localized conditions during a dayand throughout the seasons. A given area of a building may change intemperature or lighting conditions over time, such as from changes insunlight or changes in the use of machines. In this exemplary embodimentof the present inventions, localized areas can be provided withadjustable lighting, adjustable fan speeds, or other environmentalmodifiers. This control can help to support the environmental needs ofworkers or patrons in restaurants or bars.

In another exemplary embodiment of the present inventions, lighting andcooling conditions in residential applications can be more accuratelycontrolled. For example, owners of older homes that have lower ceilingswill not be able to use a traditional ceiling fan with an attached lightfixture, as such units often hang too low for tall people, creating asafety issue, and may not cool the entire room evenly or well. In thisexemplary embodiment, homeowners can choose to have multiple smallerfans that better cool the room, and disperse heat throughout the room,and multiple lights that better light the room, all with the addedflexibility of being able to choose which lights or fans to have on andto vary the power to each.

Existing track fixtures can also be accommodated using the presentinventions. In one exemplary embodiment of the present inventions ofFIG. 1, a remote controller 4 individually controls several trackfixtures such as track fans 2 and track lights 3, which are attached toa ceiling mounted track 1 such as Halo™ track using standard connectors5 or 6. The track fans 2 and track lights 3 are controlled by signalstransmitted from the transmitter in the remote control 4. The signalfrequency is adjusted by the electronically programmable memory unit inthe remote control 4 to adjust the signal frequency of track-systemreceivers for each track fan 2 and each track light 3. The track 1 hasone circuit and its power source is from the outlet box in the ceiling.

Each track fan 2 moves air with a suitable motor, turning short, softblades. For selected environments such as a low ceiling room or lowillumination area, the blades can have a safety LED light on the blades,visible when the blades are rotating. The air movement from the fans canbe aimed in different directions by adjustment of forked metal supportarms 25 as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, or using 360°-horizontal swivel stem24, to control direction of the fan within 300° of vertical space and360° of horizontal space. The track light fixtures 3 aim illumination indesired directions by adjustment of their swivel stems 24 or forkedmetal support arms 25 and gimbals 29 or light heads 32 as shown in FIGS.6 and 7. The track light fixtures have Edison-base or other sockets andare using energy efficient compact fluorescent or LED bulbs, orincandescent bulbs.

In accordance with another exemplary embodiment of the inventions, theremote control 4 can be provided with a programmable selector 1402 and aprogrammable controller 1404 that are used to set frequencies, data orother controls for predetermined track fans or track lights. Associatedcontrollers in each of the track fans and track lights can beautomatically or manually set to match a setting of the controller.Alternatively, a universal controller can be used with pre-existingtrack fixtures to allow existing equipment to be upgraded to provideadditional functionality. The controllers can be set accommodate desiredgroupings of track fixtures. For example, all track lights and trackfans could have the same controller setting, each track light could beset to a separate controller setting to allow individual illuminationadjustments, or other suitable combinations can also or alternatively beused. The controller settings can be used to determine the signalfrequency transmitted to the track fans and track lights as previouslydescribed.

In another exemplary embodiment of the present inventions, the trackfans and track lights are temporarily and/or permanently attached to avariety of fixture types, including but not limited to track, rail, andcable lighting fixtures, a single light fixture canopy, a recessedlighting can, a sconce, and a wall fixture. These variations (a)accommodate existing fixtures to reduce the costs of electrical andconstruction modifications in buildings and (b) bring the air movementand/or illumination closer to people's work or relaxation areas, forexample, directly over a couch, a bar or a desk.

In another exemplary embodiment of the present inventions, one or moreof the track fans and/or track lights do not include the track-systemreceiver as an integral part and so are attached to a track-systemreceiver device that is attached to a track. The attachment is viastandard connectors. The track-system receiver device is set to theappropriate frequency by use of the electronically programmable memoryunit or by automatically or manually setting its controller.

The track can also be attached to a ceiling or wall in an area that doesnot have an existing power source so an electric supply with cord 6 inFIG. 1 can be used. The end electric supply with cord attaches to theend of standard track such as Halo™ track. The power cord connects to awall receptacle or other electrical power source.

A two-circuit track can also or alternatively be used, where trackfixtures are electrically attached to one or more of the multi-circuittrack's circuits and are controlled independently with the remotecontrol. This exemplary embodiment can be used when existing tracks andother existing fixtures are wired for multiple circuits.

Another exemplary embodiment of the inventions allows track fixtures ordevices that use different voltages, such as different voltage levels orA.C. and D.C. voltage. Track fixtures can use numerous differentvoltages and devices including 12V fractional motors, 24V fractionalmotors, 120V fractional motors and 240V fractional motors, either AC orDC, and the track lights used include 12V, 24V, 120V and 240V AC and DC.The power is stepped up and down by power controllers, converters ortransformers.

FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the present inventions ina residential or office setting including elements of the firstpreferred embodiment (track fans and track lights on a ceiling-mountedtrack controlled by a remote control with electronically programmablecontrollers. Track fans 2 and track lights 3 are structurally andelectrically connected to a one circuit electrical supply track 1, thatis electrically connected to a one circuit power supply with a floatingcanopy electric supply 5, or electrically connected to a power supplyusing an end electric supply with power cord 6 inserted into a wallreceptacle. The energy efficient (low wattage) track fans 2 are remotelyturned on and off by pushing the remote fan push button 41 on the handheld remote control 4, independently from the energy efficient tracklights 3 (that use compact fluorescent bulbs and/or LED bulbs) that areremotely turned on and off by pushing the remote light push button 42 onthe hand held remote control 4. The hand held remote control 4 can betemporarily placed on any cool, dry surface or temporarily placed in theremote control holder/charger 44 that is mounted to a wall switch, wallor other vertical structure and used similar to a wall switch. Remotecontrol holder/charger 44 can be used to recharge remote control 4, soas to avoid the need for replacing batteries. In addition, remotecontrol holder/charger 44 can have a page control to allow remotecontrol 4 to be paged to locate remote control 4.

Remote control holder/charger 44 can also include a screen such as anLED or touch-sensitive screen, to allow system configuration controls tobe presented to a user and input into a programmable selector andprogrammable controller. In one exemplary embodiment, remote controlholder/charger 44 can query all track fixtures, and can display a listof available fixtures with user-selectable controls to assign fixturesto a group, to a remote control selector, or other suitable controls.Remote control holder/charger 44 can have a “test” feature to allow eachassociated fixture to be momentarily operated to confirm its identity onthe display. Remote control holder/charger 44 can provide controls forsetting light levels, fan levels, light orientations and fanorientations, such as where the base of the track fan or track lightincludes positioning servo motors that allow the orientation of thetrack fan or track light to be controlled.

FIG. 3 is an exemplary side view of a track fan 2, showing blades 22pressed onto a housed 12 volt or 120 volt fractional motor 21 shaft. Thehoused 12 volt or 120 volt fractional motor 21 can be housed in plasticor other suitable materials, and blades 22 can be plastic finger safeblades or other suitable blades. The entire assembly can be mounted tothe support arms 25 with two connecting bolts 29 to allow for over 300°of vertical movement. The support arm 25 can be formed of metal or othersuitable materials, and an exemplary cross section 26 is shown. Thesupport arms 25 are joined together with a 360° horizontal swivel 24that allows for 360° of horizontal movement. The 360° horizontal swivel24 can be formed of metal or other suitable materials, and can bemotorized. Swivel 24 is attached to integrated remote control receivertrack adaptor 23 with a grommet that allows for swivel to move through360° of arc. The electrical supply cord 30 electrically connects the 12volt or 120 volt fractional motor 21 to the integrated remote controlreceiver track adaptor 23.

Swivel 24 can include one or more servo motors to allow the horizontalorientation of track fan 2 to be controlled. Fractional motor 21 caninclude one or more servo motors to allow the vertical orientation oftrack fan 2 to be controlled. Support arms 25 provide improved stabilityfor motor 21 as compared to a single mount support, due to vibrationsthat are generated by blades 22, and prevents the fan assembly fromexperiencing vibration or transferring vibration to other trackfixtures, which can result in damage to the track fixtures and potentialdisengagement of the track fixtures from the track. Motor 21 and blades22 are likewise balanced so as to provide no net horizontal or verticalforce to support arms 25 at rest or in motion, other than a net downwardforce due to the weight of motor 21 and blades 22.

The complete track fan 2 assembly is electrically and structurallyconnect to the one circuit electrical supply track 1 by twisting metalprongs and plastic prongs of the integrated remote control receivertrack adaptor 23 90° into interior groves of the one circuit electricalsupply track 1. The complete track fan 2 assembly locks into place witha spring loaded tab on the plastic housed integrated remote controlreceiver track adaptor 23 by manually retracting and then springingupward into the long opening of the one circuit electrical supply track1.

FIG. 3 is an exemplary front view of track fan 2. Spacer 28 is connectedbetween motor 21 and support arms 25 with a connecting bolt 29 thatmaintains a constant pressure and that holds motor 21 in position.Spacer 28 can be used to provide a servo motor for positioning of motor21 where motor 21 does not include such servo motors.

FIG. 4 is an exemplary top view of track fan 2 that shows integratedremote control receiver 23 with track adaptor screws 27 securing ventedtop covers and prongs of the track adaptor. A spring loaded tab at oneend of the integrated remote control receiver 23 secures and connectsthe track fan 2 to the one circuit electric supply track 1.

FIG. 5 is an exemplary bottom view of the track fan without the fan andshowing support arms 25 joined together with a metal 360° horizontalswivel 24 that allows for 360° of horizontal movement. Swivel 24 isattached to integrated remote control receiver 23 with a grommet toallow for 360° of horizontal movement. A spring loaded tab at one end ofthe integrated remote control receiver 23 secures and connects the trackfan 2 to the one circuit electric supply track 1.

FIG. 6 is an exemplary side view of track light 3 showing gimbal ring 31connected to support arm 25 with two connecting bolts 29 that allow forover 300° of vertical movement. Support arm 25 cross section 26 is alsoshown. Support arms 25 are joined together with swivel 24 to allow for360° of horizontal movement. Swivel 24 is attached to integrated remotecontrol receiver 23 with a grommet or other suitable connector to allowfor swivel 24 to move through 360° of arc. The electrical supply cord 30electrically connects the base socket 33 that is structurally connectedto the inside of the base socket housing 32 to the integrated remotecontrol receiver track adaptor 23. The track light 3 assemblyelectrically and structurally connects to the one circuit electricalsupply track 1 by twisting metal and/or plastic prongs of integratedremote control receiver 23 by 90° into the interior groves of the onecircuit electrical supply track 1. The complete track light 3 assemblylocks into place with a spring loaded tab on the integrated remotecontrol receiver 23 by manually retracting and then springing upwardinto the long opening of the one circuit electrical supply track 1.

FIG. 7 is an exemplary front view of track light 3 showing gimbal ring31 connected to support arm 25 with two connecting bolts 29 that allowfor over 300° of vertical movement. A lock washer is connectedin-between the gimbal ring and support arms 25 with a connecting bolt 29or other suitable connector that maintains a constant pressure to holdgimbal ring 31 in one position until gimbal ring 31 is moved to anotherposition. The support arms 25 are joined together with a swivel 24 thatallows for 360° of horizontal movement. Swivel is attached to integratedremote control receiver 23 with a grommet or other suitable device toallow for 360° horizontal movement. The electrical supply cord 30electrically connects the base socket 33 that is structurally connectedto the inside of the base socket housing 32 to the integrated remotecontrol receiver 23. The complete track light 3 assembly electricallyand structurally connects to the one circuit electrical supply track 1by twisting metal and/or plastic prongs of the integrated remote controlreceiver 23 90° into the interior grooves of the one circuit electricalsupply track 1. The complete track light 3 assembly locks into placewith a spring loaded tab on the integrated remote control receiver 23 bymanually retracting and then springing upward into the long opening ofthe one circuit electrical supply track 1.

FIG. 8 is an exemplary top view of track light 3 and the integratedremote control receiver 23 track adaptor screws securing the vented topcovers and prongs of the track adaptor. The spring loaded tab at one endof the integrated remote control receiver 23 secures and connects thetrack light 3 to the one circuit electric supply track 1.

FIG. 9 is an exemplary bottom view of track light 3 showing support arms25 joined together with a swivel 24 that allows for 360° of horizontalmovement. Swivel 24 can be attached to integrated remote controlreceiver 23 with a metal grommet or other suitable connectors to allowfor swivel 24 to move 360° either manually or using a suitable servomotor configuration. The spring loaded tab at one end of the integratedremote control receiver 23 secures and connects the track light 3 to theone circuit electric supply track 1.

FIG. 10 is an exemplary top view of a hand held remote control 4 thatshows the remote fan push button 41 and the remote light push button 42.Manually depressing the remote fan push button 41 sends a signal to theintegrated remote control receiver track adaptor 23 that remotely turnsa track fan 2 on and off. Manually depressing the remote light pushbutton 42 sends a signal to the integrated remote control receiver trackadaptor 23 that remotely turns the track light 3 on and off. The signalfrequency is adjusted with a controller on each of track fixtures andremote control.

Alternatively, a plurality of light and fan controls can be used, suchas by providing a multi-position selector switch, so as to allowindividual fans, individual lights, user configurable groups of fans andlights or other suitable configurations to be controlled. A touch-screenor other suitable user interfaces can also or alternatively be used toallow a user to readily configure track fan and light positions, powerlevels, or other suitable attributes, such as using the functionality ofprogrammable selectors, programmable controllers, servo motors and otherremote controlled devices.

FIG. 11 is an exemplary side view of remote control 4 that shows theremote fan push button 41 and the remote light push button 42. Manuallydepressing the remote fan push button sends a signal to the integratedremote control receiver track adaptor 23 that remotely turns the trackfan 2 on and off. Manually depressing the remote light push button 42sends a signal to the integrated remote control receiver track adaptor23 that remotely turns the track light 3 on and off. The signalfrequency is adjusted with a programmable controller, programmableselector and other devices in each of track fan 2, track light 3 andremote control 4.

FIGS. 12 and 13 are exemplary views of remote controls 4 in wall mounts44, as previously described.

The use of a remote controlled receiver that is either built into eachtrack fixture's track connector or that is provided in a modular trackconnector for use with existing equipment allows each track fixture tobe individually remotely controlled, such as turned on and off, forpower levels to be controlled, for servo motor orientation to becontrolled, in conjunction with new or existing one circuit tracklighting track without any extra parts and wiring, and without the extraexpense and time of two circuit track lighting track. Likewise, thesystem can also be installed on existing two circuit track lightingtracks with the same results.

FIG. 14 is an exemplary diagram of a remote control 1400 in accordancewith an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Remote control1400 can be in a handheld device, on a wall mounted device forrecharging a handheld device, or in other suitable devices. Remotecontrol 1400 includes fan/light selector 1402, which can detect trackfixtures by querying fixtures and receiving identification data, such ason a general data channel, and is coupled to and can also receive userselections from input control mechanism 1410. In one exemplaryembodiment, fan/light selector 1402 can be one or more dip switches, aprogrammable controller, an application specific integrated circuit(ASIC) or other suitable devices that generates a query command on apredetermined frequency and that processes the responses to generate auser display showing devices. In another exemplary embodiment, fan/lightselector 1402 can be a programmable controller or ASIC that generates auser input sequence for input control mechanism 1410, such as a seriesof screens for a user to enter device identifiers and locations, groupsof devices, power levels or configurations for devices, or othersuitable device data. Fan/light selector 1402 can thus allow a user toeither manually enter and control fixtures or can automatically detectfixtures and allow a user to select control settings.

Fan/light controller 1404 can be a programmable controller, ASIC orother device that generates control data for controlling the operationof a fixture. In one exemplary embodiment, fan/light controller 1404 canreceive controls from fan/light selector 1402 or input control mechanism1400, and can generate digital data or modulate frequencies to controlone or more track fixtures. Fan/light controller 1404 is coupled tofan/light selector 1402 and transmitter 1406.

Transmitter 1406 generates controllable radio frequency transmissions,such as using modulation techniques to allow data to be modulated andtransmitted to receivers. Amplitude modulation, frequency modulation,phase shift keying modulation, time division multiplexing or othersuitable modulation techniques can be used. The modulated radiofrequency data is transmitted though antenna 1408. Antenna 1408 can alsobe used to receive data from track fixtures that are enabled to transmitdata in response to general configuration queries.

FIG. 15 is a diagram of a track system receiver in accordance with anexemplary embodiment of the present invention. A receiver/decoder 1502,which can be a radio receiver or other suitable devices, receivesencoded data on a radio frequency or frequencies from the remotecontroller. Fan/light controller 1504 can be a dip switch, aprogrammable controller, an ASIC or other suitable devices that decodesthe encoded data and generates suitable controls, including but notlimited to responses to configuration queries (e.g. a unique devicenumber, a model identifier, available power levels and controlsettings), responses to control signals (e.g. changes to power settings,changes to servo motor settings, reset of settings) or other suitablecontrols. Power module 1506 is coupled to and provides power toreceiver/decoder 1502 and fan/light controller 1504, as well as theassociated fan motor, lighting assembly or other track fixture. Powermodule 1506 can detect power fluctuations that indicate damagingvibrations that may be occurring and can include over current, overvoltage or other protective circuitry to disable a track fixture if itis misoperating.

FIG. 16 is a diagram of an exemplary universal receiver, which can beused with existing equipment or as a module in conjunction with trackfixtures that are optimized for use with the universal receiver.

FIG. 17 shows exemplary configurations of track fixtures with receiversfor use with the present inventions.

FIGS. 18A-18C are flow diagrams of an exemplary process for configuringa system utilizing the teachings of the present inventions.

While certain exemplary embodiments have been described in detail andshown in the accompanying drawings, it is to be understood that suchembodiments are merely illustrative of and not restrictive on the broadinvention. It will thus be recognized to those skilled in the art thatvarious modifications may be made to the illustrated and otherembodiments of the invention described above, without departing from thebroad inventive scope thereof. It will be understood, therefore, thatthe invention is not limited to the particular embodiments orarrangements disclosed, but is rather intended to cover any changes,adaptations or modifications which are within the scope and the spiritof the invention defined by the appended claims.

1-13. (canceled)
 14. A system for controlling a plurality of devicescomprising: a remote control configured to individually control multipletrack fixtures: an input control mechanism configured to receive aplurality of commands to adjust one or more settings of one or more ofthe track fixtures; and one of the track fixtures having an associatedcontrol mechanism configured to receive commands from the remotecontrol, the track fixture further comprising a power module coupled toa receiver and a fan controller, the power module configured to detectan unbalanced condition in a fan and to disable operation of the fan.15. The system of claim 14 wherein the remote control further compriseslogic configured to control one or more of the track fixtures.
 16. Thesystem of claim 14 wherein the remote control further comprises a touchscreen display.
 17. The system of claim 14 wherein the remote controlfurther comprises logic configured to generate a list of availablefixtures on a touch screen display.
 18. The system of claim 14 whereinthe remote control further comprises logic configured to allow a user togroup two or more of the fixtures into a user-defined group using atouch screen display.
 19. The system of claim 14 wherein the remotecontrol further comprises logic configured to simultaneously control anoperational characteristic of two or more of the fixtures using a touchscreen display.
 20. The system of claim 14 wherein the track fixturefurther comprises a receiver configured to receive encoded data on awireless signal from the remote control and for decoding the encodeddata.
 21. The system of claim 14 wherein the track fixture furthercomprises a fan controller configured to receive decoded data from areceiver and to change an operational setting of a fan.
 22. The systemof claim 14 wherein the track fixture further comprises control logicconfigured to respond to a query from the remote control withconfiguration data for the track fixture.
 23. The system of claim 21wherein the fan comprises: an opposing pair of support arms affixed to aswivel; and a balanced motor and fan assembly that applies a netdownward force to the support arms when the fan is in operation.
 24. Asystem comprising: a track fixture having an associated controlmechanism configured to receive commands from a remote control, whereinthe track fixture further comprises a fan controller configured tochange an operational setting of a fan, wherein the fan comprises: anopposing pair of support arms affixed to a swivel; and a balanced motorand fan assembly that applies a net downward force to the support armswhen the fan is in operation; control logic configured to respond to aquery from the remote control with configuration data for the trackfixture; and a power module coupled to the receiver and the fancontroller, the power module configured to detect an unbalancedcondition in the fan and to disable operation of the fan.
 25. The systemof claim 24 further comprising an input control mechanism configured toreceive a plurality of commands to adjust one or more settings of two ormore track fixtures.
 26. The system of claim 24 wherein the remotecontrol further comprises: a touch screen display; logic configured togenerate a list of available fixtures; logic configured to allow a userto group two or more fixtures into a user-defined group; and logicconfigured to simultaneously control an operational characteristic ofthe two or more fixtures.
 27. The system of claim 24 wherein the remotecontrol further comprises a touch screen display.
 28. The system ofclaim 24 wherein the remote control further comprises logic configuredto generate a list of available track fixtures.
 29. The system of claim24 wherein the remote control further comprises logic configured toallow a user to group two or more track fixtures into a user-definedgroup.
 30. The system of claim 24 wherein the remote control furthercomprises logic configured to simultaneously control an operationalcharacteristic of two or more track fixtures.
 31. The system of claim 24wherein the remote control further comprises: a touch screen display;and logic configured to generate a list of available track fixtures. 32.The system of claim 24 wherein the remote control further comprises: atouch screen display; logic configured to generate a list of availabletrack fixtures; and logic configured to allow a user to group two ormore track fixtures into a user-defined group.
 33. The system of claim24 wherein the remote control further comprises: logic configured togenerate a list of available fixtures; logic configured to allow a userto group two or more fixtures into a user-defined group; and logicconfigured to simultaneously control an operational characteristic ofthe two or more fixtures.